BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for the public's help to trace an elderly man who hurled racist abuse at a railway worker.

They were called to South Croydon train station at around 7.50pm on Monday after the female member of staff was insulted.

Inspector Jack Ioannou, based at Croydon BTP station, said: "We will be making local enquiries into this incident, including speaking with witnesses, and ask anyone with any information about this incident to come forward."

The man is described as white, elderly with grey hair and of slim build, but there are no CCTV images available of him at present.

He was wearing glasses, a yellow high-visibility vest and black boots.

He also had a bicycle with him.

He was last seen leaving the station and going onto Blunt Road.

A spokesman for Southern said: "Our staff member was just going about her normal duties and did not deserve to be treated in this way."

Anyone with information is asked to call the BTP on 0800 40 50 40.